30 Oct Wisconsin Trio to Lead Prominent Veterinary Medical Associations in 2020
Posted at 10:49h in WVMA News by Tracie Luedtke0Likes
By Tracie Luedtke, WVMA Marketing & Communications Specialist
Wisconsin veterinary medicine will be well represented in 2020 as three Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA) members take on the presidential roles of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).
Dr. Douglas Kratt of Onalaska, Wisconsin, is currently serving as president-elect of the AVMA. A University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Dr. Kratt owns and practices at Central Animal Hospital in La Crosse, where his interests include surgery, oncology and nutrition. A past WVMA president and AVMA House of Delegates representative, Dr. Kratt is eager to take on this opportunity.
“I hope that I can emphasize communication and listen to the members,” Dr. Kratt says. “I want to spread the word on the importance of us building our profession together and addressing opportunities and challenges early. On top of that, I want to continue to be the best veterinarian, board member and representative of our profession I can be.”
Marie Bucko of Brodhead, Wisconsin, is serving as president-elect of the SAVMA. Bucko is in her third year at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. In 2015, she earned her Master of Science Degree in Food Safety from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
As president of the SAVMA, Bucko wants to ensure the student voice is heard within AVMA and the veterinary medical profession. She also plans to use her role to support veterinary medical students in attaining access to resources that provide them a more well-rounded education outside of the classroom through leadership, speaking and networking.
“It is such a privilege to work and study alongside the hundreds of veterinary students that are equally passionate, committed and enthusiastic for our profession,” Bucko says.
Dean Mark Markel of Middleton, Wisconsin, holds the position of president-elect of the AAVMC. Dean Markel has been a UW-Madison faculty member since 1990 and Dean of the UW School of Veterinary Medicine since 2012. He earned his DVM degree from the University of California-Davis and his PhD from the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. In addition, he is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
“The AAVMC serves as an important facilitator and leader in advancing the education we provide to our veterinary medical students,” Dean Markel says. “As president, I hope to ensure that we as an organization provide appropriate leadership in defining and advancing veterinary medical education. I am excited to be part of the AAVMC, an important leader of this profession worldwide.”
As the new year approaches, all are looking forward to the opportunity to concurrently represent Wisconsin and the Midwest on the national level.
“I am excited to work with Marie and Doug to help advance veterinary medical education, the student experience, and more broadly the veterinary medical profession in each of our roles as leaders of SAVMA, AVMA, and the AAVMC,” Dean Markel says.
“The School has always encouraged us to be part of our community and profession,” Dr. Kratt adds. “It is what we make of it. I hope that we will encourage others to get involved in their communities and make a difference. We all have challenges, but I am sure Dean Markel, Ms. Bucko and I will work together to make a difference. “